AAIB investigation to Europa XS, G-XSDJ

Damaged during takeoff attempt, Lundy Island Airfield, 31 July 2016.

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
8 December 2016
Category:
General aviation - fixed wing
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
31 July 2016
Aircraft type:
Europa XS
Location:
Lundy Island Airfield, Devon
Registration:
G-XSDJ

Summary:

During a takeoff attempt from the somewhat stony and uneven strip, the mainwheel struck a ridge in the surface of the strip, projecting the aircraft into the air before it had reached flying speed. It then descended and struck another bump. The second impact resulted in a propeller strike, detaching two of the propeller blades and the impact forces caused significant structural damage to the lower fuselage immediately in front of the wing leading edge.

Download report:

Europa XS, G-XSDJ 12-16

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations

Published 8 December 2016